iSimple ISGM575

I am writing this review based on installing the item myself into my 2005 Buick Rendezvous:

I purchased the iSimple because, like many of you out there, I wanted to listen to my iPod through the radio. FM transmitters just plain stink for sound quality, so that is completely out. I also ran into the problem that I couldn't install my aftermarket stereo without loosing all of my safety chimes, steering wheel controls and on-star (class 2 factory radio), unless I wanted to pay up the WAZOO for all sorts of extra adapters and harnesses. I took a shot with the iSimple ISGM575, because it offered a way to hook the iPod up to the factory radio without loosing any of the functions of the factory radio like on-star... and it was the BEST choice I could have made.

Here's why:

Pro's: Other than the fact that my rendezvous' dash was a PAIN in the butt to remove, the installation was so very easy, just unplug, connect and bam! A 12 foot iPod cord gave me the option to put the connection virtually anywhere I wanted in the car. You have the choice of selecting the iPod direct connect to allow control of the iPod from the factory stereo controls AND steering wheel controls OR use the AUX setting to control the iPod via its own click wheel. When using the iPod direct connect feature, the name of the artist, song, time elapsed and time of day show up on the factory radio (but not when using the AUX setting). Scrolling through playlists/artists etc, is pretty fast when using the factory radio controls. Sound quality is PERFECT (depending, of course, on the quality of your digital music copy). The availability to add a second AUX port, HD or satellite radio or DVD console if i ever want to in the future. All products are not without flaws however. Here are some of the things that I wish could be better...

Con's:

When using the factory radio to control the iPod, there is no button to shuffle the songs. You either have to set this on the iPod before you plug it in, or unplug it every time you want to change the setting. When hitting skip to the next song using the factory radio or steering wheel controls, there is about a 2 second delay... and sometimes you have to hit the skip button again to get to the next song. The album of the song you are listening to is not displayed, other than in search modes. These are just minor inconveniences, but none the less are still annoying at times. In all honesty though, these cons do not even come close to outweighing the pros of this product. I am very happy with this purchase and considering it cost me about a 1/3 of the price of having an aftermarket stereo installed, what could be better?

I recommend this product to anyone who wants to use an apple product with their factory stereo head unit.

Awesome product! Love it and I've had no problems with it since I bought it.

This device transforms your car's music system in a big way. Not only can you take your entire music library with you on the road, you can also listen to your favorite Pandora stations at any time. It's a musical experience every time you fire up! Can't imagine driving without my iSimple.

I purchased the iSimple and it works pretty good for the most part. But after 2 month's for some reason I'm not able to control my song's, and also my volume from the vehicle. Other then that everything is ok.